Ancient Indian Education (Brahmanical and Buddhist) c12.36

c12.36

**Defaulters of Upanayana.** The defaulters, those who do not have their Upanayana performed within the age-limits prescribed, are condemned as *Sāvitrī-patita* and *Vrātya*, "devoid of Sāvitrī Mantra and the *vrata* or vow of Brahmacharya, and hence degraded, degenerate, and unclean." These persons are, therefore, to be "shunned with care" (parihāryāḥ prayatnataḥ) [Vyāsa]. This implies, as stated by Vasiṣṭha, that "no one should have any dealings with them (na abhivyavahāreyuḥ) such as teaching them or performing sacrifices for them", to which another text adds even matrimonial connections (adhyāpanaṁ yājanaṁ cha vivāhādi cha varjayet). This implies their complete social boycott and ostracism. Manu calls them *apūrta*, "unclean," with whom there can be no "brahma-sambandha", relationship by learning or religion [ii, 39, 40; x, 20; *Śāṅkhā.* *G.S.*, ii, 1, 9-13; *Āśvalā.* i, 19, 8-9, etc.].